YouTube blocks music videos in the UK

Google and the group that licenses music videos in the UK have hit a stumbling block in negotiations. And that’s led Google to block UK users’ access to premium music videos. That covers music that has been uploaded by artists and record labels for which Google pays a licensing fee, as well as user uploaded videos that have been claimed by copyright holders.

In other words, the only music videos you’ll be able to watch in the UK now are for artists that aren’t covered by the PRS agreement in the first place — or music videos that have been illegally uploaded by fans and which haven’t been flagged as infringing on copyright yet. It’s just like the YouTube of yesteryear.

Without delving too deeply into the Google said, PRS for Music said, the two sides are pointing their fingers at one another accussing each party of being too greedy. But negotiations are continuing, so the music videos could return soon.